Objective:
The objective of this cooperative research project is to develop novel cool-season grass germplasm and associated management technologies for use in irrigated and non-irrigated growing environments.

Approach:
Collaborative experiments will be designed and implemented either in the laboratory or in the field depending upon the objective. Laboratory experiments will be conducted jointly in Logan, Utah, and the Northwest A&F University. China (NAFU) where research concerning the evaluation of germplasm for abiotic stress environments is being conducted. Where experiments involve the development of mutagenesis technologies for the identification of unique grass genotypes, work will be performed in Logan, Utah, and by the NAFU. Germplasm evaluation of Chinese and U.S. grass and legume accessions (cultivars and lines) will be conducted in the Great Basin Region of Utah, and in Shaanxi Province, China, under irrigated and non-irrigated growing conditions as deemed appropriate. This research will attempt to: 1) develop plant materials with improved pasture, turf, and rangeland grass characteristics; 2) develop plant materials adapted to dry temperature regions under reduced management inputs (e.g., irrigation and fertilizer), 3) develop improved breeding procedures; 4) develop new genetic methodologies for use in evaluation and breeding, and; 5) elucidate the role of endophytes in abiotic stress (e.g., drought, salinity, and heat) environments.